Cohort 2

Fashion & Materials Technology

Cohort 2 of Evo Fashion programme is designed to support fashion and materials tech businesses with guidance on how to improve their sustainability, increase team effectiveness and accelerate growth.

We are looking for start-ups and early-stage businesses with science or technology-driven software, hardware or related solutions that could be applicable to the fashion and/or materials industries.

The programme will offer support through workshops, peer-to-peer sessions and classes over a 5-month period starting September 2024.

Learn more about the programme in our information video below.

Cohort 2 has started!

Follow the journey

What's the programme about?

LONDON-BASED FASHION & MATERIALS TECH BUSINESSES

We'll be taking our next cohort of fashion and materials tech businesses through workshop and classes that will:

- Improve sustainability

- Increase team effectiveness

- Accelerate growth

- Connect with industry leaders

Check Out Our Instagram!

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Timeline

Provisional dates are as follows:

11-12th September TBC: Launchpad Kick-off (IRL)
24th September: Monthly workshop (IRL)
September: Peer-to-Peer sessions (Online)
8th October: Monthly workshop (IRL)
October: Peer-to-Peer sessions (Online)
17 October: Webinar (Online)
22nd October: Monthly workshop (IRL)
23rd October - 18th November: Peer-to-Peer sessions (Online)
6-8th November: Photoshoot (IRL)
12th November: Monthly workshop (IRL)
27th November: Cohort Showcase (IRL)

meet The Participants

Body of a young child in a denim outfit holding a yellow plastic ring under their right arm

Two computer generated models, model on the left wears an oversized white dress and model on the right wears a navy skin suit

Yellow background with the inside of an electrical appliance on show

Picture of a phone with the mock up of bloominos app. Showing an ecommerce picture and details of the outfit underneath

Women with black hair and large orange hoops in a studio screen printing with an apron

White outline of a shoe with black laces

Black and white photo of a man in headphones loading fabric

E-commerce picture of a burgundy bag with a phone at the front left of the bag

Women in a blue off the shoulder dress, swaging a white bag with a chain handle

E-commerce shot of desktop screen and ipad of eslando website page

Women with short bob standing in a shopping centre in an patterned outfit

Graphic shot of phones showing the Genie app, comparing designer handbags

Green screen image of a waterproof zip up jacket in a running pose on a black background

Three phones showing different sides to the LAYBL website

3 pieces of leather stood up vertically on a plank of wood, in colours, from right to left, burgundy, green and black

Women in a photo studio set wearing a black dress leaning down and putting on her left heel

Two shots, on the left is the computer generated version of the women and outfit and on the right is the real catwalk

Outfit shot of a person wearing jeans and a yellow long sleeved with a orange sleeve less cardigan posing

Phone in front of background with green lines

Embroded jeans lying flat on grass with daises

The Launchpad

Evo Fashion 2 kicked off on the 10th September 2024 with our two-day launchpad event!

Highlights included delving into the fashion industry’s impacts and innovation opportunities with Brooke Roberts-Islam and exploring personal intentions and motivations with Tom Farrand.

The cohort enjoyed a welcome dinner at the wonderful INIS in Fish Island Village, East London, and participated in their first peer-to-peer session, encouraging mutual support and collaboration with fellow founders.

We're looking forward to taking a deep dive into environmental and social governance with Brooke in our next session.

Blonde short haired women presenting to group of large people

Group of people attending a workshop in bright room, seated on singular tables in rows

WORKSHOP 1

This first workshop of the Cohort 2 kicked off with, Environmental and Social Governance with Brooke Roberts-Islam.

This module provided an in-depth exploration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, tailored to the fashion and textile sectors.

Key Focus Areas included:

Environmental (E): Explore the Paris Agreement, IPCC findings, and Science-Based Targets Initiative, focusing on carbon emissions and scopes.
Social (S): Learn about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social due diligence, and fair trade in global supply chains, alongside Project Drawdown’s solutions.
Governance (G): Gain insights into relevant laws, regulations, and compliance, with tools to avoid greenwashing.

Exercises were had throughout that encouraged the cohort to explore the key areas within the context of their business.

The workshop concluded with a task of crafting a statement that expressed their commitment to and approach towards sustainability. Guidance, tips and a framework were provided throughout to help communicate values, intentions and strategies on environmental impact and social responsibility.

Man in black t-shirt presenting to a group of people who are seated on individual desks

workshop 2

The Business and Financial Planning workshop offered participants practical tools to refine their business strategies and financial outlook:

Business Models and Unique Value Proposition with Tom Farrand — Participants explored the business model canvas, focusing on defining and refining their unique value propositions. This session helped attendees clearly communicate the distinct benefits of their offerings, align with customer needs, and craft compelling brand narratives to drive growth and stand out in the market.

Simple and Practical Financial Modelling with Stuart Balmer — The afternoon session delved into key financial modelling concepts, including cost analysis, revenue development, and sales forecasting. Attendees gained insights into cash flow management, income statements, and pricing strategies while receiving practical tools to ensure financial sustainability and business growth.

The day provided valuable insights and practical frameworks, equipping participants to strengthen their business planning and financial strategies for long-term success.

WORKSHOP 3

Workshop 2 consisted or two parts.

Marketing and Communications with James Poletti, Strategy Partner at 33Second

This session began with a deep dive into two macro factors reshaping marketing: the shift towards net zero, which is driving innovation and changing consumer behaviours, and the blurring lines between B2B and B2C marketing, influenced by digital commerce and consumer awareness of ingredient brands (such as Gore-tex or Polartec). Including brand and marketing strategies.

This hands-on session provided tools and insights needed to build a strong, consumer-focused brand and marketing approach.

Leadership and Shadow Behaviours with Tom Farrand

People-coach, Tom Farrand, lead us through a process to understand personality preferences, and how you can grow your personality in the ways you most want or need.

This aimed to help participants better develop themselves as founders and set a course for the next stage of your personal growth.

Group of four women standing and talking in a circle

Photo taken from behind of a group of people watching a presentation on indivdual tables

WORKSHOP 4

Investment Readiness

Our Investment Readiness workshop provided participants with the tools and knowledge to navigate the funding landscape and refine their pitch:

Investment Readiness with Andy Ayim — Attendees explored different funding strategies, common pitfalls, and practical examples to identify the right path for their business. Andy shared insights on connecting with investors, drafting a funding strategy, and balancing funding rounds with personal and business goals. Participants worked on refining their pitch decks, receiving peer and expert feedback to strengthen their fundraising approach.
How to Craft a Memorable Pitch with Ginny Radmall — This interactive session focused on building a compelling narrative, capturing attention, and presenting products in a memorable way. Attendees received hands-on feedback, helping them pitch with confidence and clarity for both investment and partnership opportunities.

The day offered invaluable insights, practical exercises, and expert guidance to help businesses secure funding and present their ideas with impact.

backroom pitch

The Evo Fashion Backroom Pitch marked the culmination of Cohort 2 of the Evo Fashion programme, a five-month initiative supporting emerging fashion and materials technology businesses. The event showcased businesses tackling sustainability challenges in fashion through innovative technologies.

The Cohort pitched solutions spanning retail and manufacturing tech, AI, AR, supply chain transparency, circular materials, waste innovation, and digital transformation — all aimed at promoting circular practices and accelerating climate action. The evening featured pitches from participating businesses in a 10-minute format, including a presentation and Q&A, to a distinguished audience of investors and advisory panelists. Representatives from notable organisations such as HSBC Innovation Banking, Green Angel Ventures, and True were in attendance to explore potential collaborations and investments.

The event concluded with networking drinks, offering businesses an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and potential investors to help scale their sustainable innovations.